Robert "Bob" Herrell

Robert "Bob" Norwood Herrell, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was 82 years old.

Bob was born in Van Nuys, California on October 21, 1943 to parents, Damon Norwood Herrell and Pauline Marie (Emanuel) Herrell.

He graduated from Western High School in 1961, and enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after. He retired from the Air Force July 1, 1982 at RAF Upper Heyford, England. His first 10 years of service were in Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W). He then cross trained into Avionics and worked Fire Control Radar and Integrated Avionics on the A7-D, the A-10 (England AFB, LA) and the F-111A at RAF Upper Heyford near Oxford, England.

During his 20-year military career, he received AF Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal with 5 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.

After military retirement, Bob lived in Las Vegas, where he worked for the FAA and US Civil Service for 22 years. He worked in Las Vegas Air Traffic Control Tower as an Air Traffic Assistant, and eventually as Electronics Technician for both the Air Traffic Control Tower as well as the Air Traffic Control Radar Facility at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

After retirement, Bob settled in Harrison, Arkansas, in May 2007 and spent countless hours with his true passion as a HAM Radio Operator. The hobby began when he was a child, and he officially became a Licensed HAM Radio Operator in 1957. Under the call sign, AJ5C, Bob connected with people around the world, and the space station. HAM Radio allowed him to reach far and wide and have friends all over the globe. He also received many operator awards and citations, including Satellite Operator Achievement Award with 5,000 Verified Contacts, 2-Way Communication with radio amateurs in 50 countries, VHF/UHF Century Club Member, and WAS Award (Worked All States) for 2-way communication in all 50 states.

Bob was a very compassionate, patient, and kind man, showing kindness for everyone. He loved to talk to people about literally anything and was very intelligent. He was very generous and tried his best to make those around him happy, whether you were a friend, or a stranger. He enjoyed traveling until his health no longer permitted. Bob loved food. He loved cooking and eating at local restaurants, especially Lillie Hobbs. He ate food from there every Saturday, from the day they opened, never missing out on his favorite carrot cake, chocolate chunk and snickerdoodle cookies.

Bob was a loveable character, with loads of personality. He was a loving husband, and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Damon Herrell, his mother, Pauline Marie Daniel, his daughter, Jeanna Herrell, and his beloved dog, Odie.

Bob is survived by his loving husband of 11 years, Orlando Herrell; his son, David Herrell of Las Vegas, NV; his grandson, Jacob; and his sister, Marie "Cookie" Daniel, of Las Vegas, and many dear friends.

At Bob's request, no services will be held.

Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com.